Our church recently started a new multi-site congregation in Fenton (about 30 minutes south of the main campus). We’ve had the chance to check it out and we really like the more intimate feel that comes with fewer people, more like 250 than the 1200+ at the other campus.  Everything is done in the same way: worship, special music, offering and announcements but the sermon is delivered via a large projection video.  Aside for the fact our speaking pastor is a Herculean ten feet tall now (on screen) it actually seems quite natural to have a message delivered via video.

As a disclaimer: If you went to the main campus and the Auditorium was full you would be directed to an overflow area where the service would look identical to the one we are experiencing at the new site.  Since being late almost always means the auditorium full Cara and I have become quite comfortable in this setting, not to mention the fact you are allowed to drink coffee in the overflow area…

My real thought on this post is where multi-site churches fit into the landscape of the American church.  So far we have had a pleasant experience and have found MORE community at the satellite campus due to it’s size and because there are only two services, compared to the five offered on the main campus. We run into more friends, see the same faces and have the freedom to drink coffee and mingle a bit more.  That said I can easily understand the downsides, we are less connected as a whole church and leadership runs the risk of not understanding the unique needs of many locations. I can also easily see the problems that big egos could have in the direction of a multi-site church, becoming a one man show versus a equal distribution of talent and responsibilities.

So, has anyone else been a part of a multisite church? Did you enjoy it or did you come to find out there were massive holes where you hoped there would be community?